Pipette Needle Cleaning with Desiccant Stream Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipetting needle cleaning devices often fail to prevent contamination of clean areas, result in residual washing liquid on the needles, and are not cost-effective for rapid and high-quality cleaning, especially when dealing with strongly adhering substances like dyes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a washing station and movement means for relative movement between the pipette needle and washing station, incorporating a drying device that uses desiccant streams to remove washing liquid, and a control unit for varying flow rates of washing liquid through the needle, ensuring complete removal of washing liquid and prevention of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If washing liquid is applied to clean the pipetting needle, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residual washing liquid remains on the needle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the washing liquid from the pipetting needle by applying a stream of desiccant (such as air or heating elements) that removes and separates the residual washing liquid from the needle surface, directing it away from the cleaned areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical drying methods with a stream-based desiccant system that uses fluid dynamics and thermal energy to evaporate and remove residual washing liquid more effectively
2Manufacturing precision
If washing liquid flows through the pipetting needle during cleaning, then internal surfaces are cleaned, but contamination is conveyed to previously clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the cleaning sequence by first cleaning the internal surfaces with washing liquid flow, then immediately applying the desiccant stream to dry and protect the cleaned areas before any potential re-contamination can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by directing the desiccant stream to dry and seal the cleaned surfaces immediately after washing, preventing subsequent contamination before it happens
3Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning process is extended to ensure thorough drying, then residual liquid is removed, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous action by combining the washing liquid application and desiccant stream in a seamless sequence without interruption, maintaining constant productive activity throughout the cleaning cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through controlled cycles of washing liquid application followed by immediate desiccant application, creating rhythmic pulses of cleaning and drying that are more efficient than continuous operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures pipette needles are thoroughly cleaned and free of residual washing liquid, preventing contamination and dilution, while being efficient in terms of time and washing liquid usage, making them ready for subsequent tests quickly.
Implementation Method 1
a drying device with which a stream of desiccant is applied to at least one area 5 of the outer surface 8 of the pipette needle 2 that has come into contact with washing liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device and a method for cleaning at least one pipetting needle (2) are described. The cleaning is carried out using a washing station (3) by which, at least temporarily during a cleaning process, an inner and an outer surface of the pipetting needle (2) are brought into contact, at least section by section, with a washing liquid, and with at least one moving means (12) by which a relative movement between the pipetting needle (2) and the washing station (3) is effected, at least temporarily, before, after, or during the cleaning process. The described technical solution is characterized by the provision of a drying device (4) which applies at least one desiccant stream (6) to at least one area (5) of the pipetting needle (2) that is brought into contact with the washing liquid during the cleaning process.